• The Global Rugby Players Foundation (GRPF) unveils its inaugural Trustee’s Report available for public viewing, highlighting a year of great progress with details of key achievements in the Foundation’s first year, including the success of four funded programmes across the globe. 
• GRPF launches a free, online learning platform available to current and former players. 
• Courses have been carefully selected and created to meet the needs of players and cover topics including business and career development, communication fundamentals and emotional wellbeing. 
• GRPF is proud to provide a centralised resource available to players all over the world. The platform is mobile and desktop friendly, with no time restrictions or deadlines so players can learn at their own pace.
• The resource was launched during a player welfare event at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, England, with just 11 days to go to Rugby World Cup 2025. 

LONDON, 11 August 2025: The GRPF is thrilled to unveil its inaugural Trustee’s Report for the year ending 31 March 2025 – now available to the public.

This landmark publication marks a defining moment in the GRPF’s journey, capturing a bold vision for the future and celebrating a powerful beginning.

In just its first year, the Foundation has made remarkable strides: launching officially across both hemispheres, forging global connections with players and stakeholders, and awarding its first round of grant funding to life-changing initiatives that empower former players beyond the game.

The report showcases the tangible early impact of our mission, drawing from four groundbreaking pilot programmes across Ireland, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and South Africa. It brings to life real stories from participants, heartfelt feedback, and the measurable success of support in areas like career transition, mental wellbeing, and personal development, all built by players, for players.

More than a summary of milestones, this report is a blueprint for the future. It highlights the critical foundations we’ve laid and charts a course toward lasting, sustainable impact. Year one is just the beginning, and the momentum is only building.

Dive into the full report and see how the GRPF is redefining life after the game, building a powerful, global legacy for players everywhere.

“This first year has been nothing short of transformative,” said Sara Heath, CEO of GRPF. “We’re incredibly proud of the foundation we’ve built and even more energised by the road ahead. This report not only offers a window into the purpose that fuels our work, it signals our unwavering commitment to supporting the global player community with care, credibility, and bold ambition.”

The Global Rugby Players Foundation is also delighted to unveil its free online learning platform, a dynamic resource designed to support players as they begin planning for life after rugby.

Open to all current and former rugby players, across both 15s and 7s, male and female, who have held a professional contract or represented their country since 1 September 1995, the platform offers a wide range of on-demand courses. Topics vary from business and career development to communication fundamentals and emotional wellbeing.

The platform's launch coincides with the Rugby World Cup 2025 player welfare media briefing at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, England, bringing together key rugby stakeholders to discuss player welfare and ongoing efforts to protect athletes during and after their careers.

“With RWC25 kicking off in 11 days, it’s an incredibly exciting time for rugby, and we are thrilled to be launching this initiative,” says GRPF CEO Sara Heath. “At GRPF, we are committed to supporting players throughout their entire lives, not just their playing careers. This platform is a key step in that journey, designed to empower players to grow with confidence, gain new skills, and take control of their future, wherever they are in the world.”

Courses have been carefully selected and created in response to the challenges players face. Content will be updated quarterly, and GRPF is working toward offering materials in multiple languages to ensure the platform is as inclusive and accessible as possible. Player feedback will remain central to shaping future updates, so feedback is encouraged from all users.

Fully mobile and desktop-friendly, the platform allows users to learn at their own pace, with no deadlines or restrictions, providing flexibility for players juggling training, work, or family commitments.

This digital launch complements GRPF’s growing global support network, which already includes on the ground transition programmes across Ireland, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and South Africa. The pilot programmes have been a resounding success, with over 400 former players engaged. One player notes “I am extremely grateful for the support. I was feeling a bit lost at the start, but having a plan now is keeping me focused on moving forward and I am feeling excited at all the opportunities.”

With the launch of this online resource, even more players around the world can access the support they need. By removing barriers to access, the platform ensures that more players, regardless of location, can begin building their next chapter with purpose and confidence.

For many players, this moment is deeply personal. “You spend years building your life around training, games, and the team. When it ends, there can be a real sense of disconnection,” says one former player. “Having access to something like this, something designed with us in mind, feels like someone still has your back.”

Whether brushing up on professional skills or exploring new interests, players can now take their next step with the backing of a global community that understands their journey.

Because at GRPF, we believe the end of a playing career is the start of a powerful new journey.

Notes to Editors:

You can view the full Trustee’s Report here.

More details about the Trustee’s Report and online learning platform can be found on the GRPF website.

The sign-up link for the learning platform can be found here. 

GRPF Boilerplate:

Launched in May 2024 by a distinguished group of 11 current and former elite rugby players, including Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, Richie McCaw, Siya Kolisi, and Rachael Burford, in partnership with World Rugby and International Rugby Players, the Global Rugby Players Foundation (GRPF) supports those who contributed to and shaped our game to achieve their full potential beyond the game. Chaired by former Wallabies captain George Gregan, with Sara Heath serving as Chief Executive Officer, the GRPF delivers a holistic support framework through five key pillars: On The Ground Funding, Central Programmes, Coaching, Community and Partnerships. 

The Foundation seeks to reframe leaving the game as an opportunity for growth, helping players navigate identity shifts, financial uncertainty, and mental health challenges, and supports them across the globe. 

For more information please contact:

Amy Salmon (Communications Manager)

communications@rugbyplayersfoundation.com

07949892312